Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a unique typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are two switches worth considering. The NovelKeys Cream is known for its heftier linear typing experience, offering a deep but not overly pronounced sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches provide a remarkable tactile bump and a satisfying resistance with each keystroke, making typing an immersive journey. Additionally, Wuque Studio's nylon housings contribute to a "thocky" resonance for a captivating auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer different characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. Starting with the top housing, the NovelKeys Cream utilizes POM, which produces a unique and pleasing sound profile. This material creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing. The nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile, on the other hand, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound. So, while both switches provide a deep sound, the Cream offers a more muted tone, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile delivers a fuller and rounder sound.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches utilize similar materials but still provide slightly different sound profiles. The POM bottom housing of the Cream switch is responsible for its deep and muted sound. The WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, absorbs more sound due to its soft plastic, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches share similarities in their bottom housing material, the Cream's POM may offer a slightly more muted sound profile compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon, providing a different typing experience.
Considering the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience, it is essential to note that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. Therefore, the qualities of the Cream's POM bottom housing or the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing will largely determine the tactile sensation when typing, as well as the sound produced. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, depending on the chosen switch, the user can expect varying levels of satisfaction in terms of tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it lighter than the WS Heavy Tactile switch, for which the actuation force is unknown. Additionally, the NovelKeys Cream has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is heavier compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typing on the NovelKeys Cream switch will require a slightly lighter touch to trigger keystrokes, while providing a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferable for users who prefer a swift and effortless typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences, with the NovelKeys Cream offering a balance between a light actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, and the WS Heavy Tactile providing a lighter overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The NovelKeys Cream offers a more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, providing a deeper and more substantial key press. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it a popular choice among gamers who prefer faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, and while the NovelKeys Cream provides a deeper key press, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a slightly faster and more responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a low-pitched and resonant profile. With a deeper sound profile than the average switch, it provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone while still maintaining a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch presents a clacky and high-pitched sound. It produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed, giving a bright and engaging auditory feedback. Both switches offer a resonant sound profile, contributing to an immersive typing experience. However, the Cream switch has a deeper tone compared to the more pronounced and vibrant sound of the Heavy Tactile switch. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch provides a buttery and textured typing experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation, giving a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. It is important to note that some users may prefer the noticeable friction of textured switches, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. It provides a medium level of tactility, offering a prominent yet balanced tactile feedback. These switches have a spring-like and elastic sensation, providing a lively feel with a significant rebound when pressed. The sharp and crisp tactile bump is distinct and can be felt with each keystroke, making the typing experience feel more responsive and energetic.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream switch provides a deeper and resonant sound while offering a buttery and textured typing experience. On the other hand, the Heavy Tactile switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound along with an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. Both switches offer immersive and engaging typing experiences, with the Cream switch leaning towards a mellower and smoother profile, while the Heavy Tactile switch provides a more pronounced and lively tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier and more robust linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the NovelKeys Cream is a great choice. On the other hand, if you value a highly tactile typing experience with a satisfying resistance and a "thocky" resonance sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile is the way to go.
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